Buy or sell stocks, Dec. 23 -- The Indian stock markets are likely to open on a flat to mildly positive note, supported by stable global cues. GIFT Nifty signals a calm start around the 26,200-26,250 zone, with trading volumes expected to remain subdued amid the holiday-shortened week. Consequently, market participation is likely to be selective rather than broad-based, as investors prefer to conserve risk and focus on high-conviction opportunities.

On the sectoral front, financials, IT, and metals are expected to provide directional leadership, underpinned by improving global risk sentiment, selective foreign institutional investor participation, and expectations of a supportive policy backdrop heading into 2026. That said, elevated val...